Skip to main content
Advanced Search
The Barque FREDERICK of Melbourne, Captain John Muir Velzian, off Newcastle
The Barque FREDERICK of Melbourne, Captain John Muir Velzian, off Newcastle

The Barque FREDERICK of Melbourne, Captain John Muir Velzian, off Newcastle

Datec 1870
Object number00030591
NamePainting
MediumWatercolour on paper, wood, glass
DimensionsOverall: 530 x 665 x 25 mm, 3.28 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis painting depicts the barque FREDERICK from broadside starboard view under sail along the coast of Newcastle, New South Wales. Nobbys Head and a small side-wheel paddle steamer can be seen in the background.HistoryThe FREDERICK was a three-masted wooden barque built in 1846 at Haddam, Connecticutt as the COMMODORE. The COMMODORE made two recorded voyages from New York to Melbourne, via Adelaide, with general cargoes. The vessel was renamed FREDERICK in 1861 when the vessel was purchased by Piggot Brothers and registered in Melbourne. From 1861 to 1867 the vessel was employed on the Newcastle - Melbourne - Newcastle run for the transport of coal. The barque was wrecked at Hokitika, New Zealand, in July 1867.SignificanceThis painting of the American built FREDERICK (originally the COMMODORE) is a visual record of its voyages between Melbourne, Victoria and Newcastle, New South Wales.